It seems to me that all online forums are alike. I've seen the same post as the OP made many times on every forum I've been to. It's the same with the archery, violin makers, and boat building forums.

Sooner or later most users realize that online forums are mostly a waste of time, and good only for "entertainment" purposes. Once in a while one can glean some usefull information and news from them. However; I think it is a big mistake to take what is said online as somehow being meaningfull or important. Take it all with a grain of salt, and just go out and sail and have fun.